Nov 16, 2017

By: Chad Taylor & Jake Wilhelmsen

Make Bluff your headquarters for a high-stakes tour of the Utah quadrant of Four Corners.

Wind and water spent millions of years sculpting Bluff, Utah. It was first settled by Native Americans who were later joined by Mormon pioneers, and now it’s the gateway to some of Utah’s most famous rock formations and viewpoints. If its scenery looks like something you’d see in a movie, that’s because dozens have been filmed there — but it’s way better in person.

Book a room in one of the unique lodging properties in town, try the ribeye at Cottonwood Steakhouse, check out historic Bluff Fort and then be sure to make your way to these three places for photo ops, oohs and ahhs:

Muley Point

Muley Point

Coming from a group who’s been to most of the iconic viewpoints in Utah, trust us when we say this might be the best. (We said might; please forgive us if you have a different favorite, because we probably love it, too.) Here’s all you need to know: You can stand in one spot and see the San Juan River cutting goosenecks in the foreground, Monument Valley’s gorgeous backside in the distant southwest and the edge of Valley of the Gods to the east. Check out the gallery below for a glimpse.

Directions from Bluff

Take US-191 South for 4.3 miles

Turn left onto US-163 South for 16.6 miles

Turn right onto UT-261 for 9.6 miles

Turn left onto Muley Point Road for 5 miles

Park in the designated lot and walk southeast to the view point

BONUS PANORAMA: Check out Moki Dugway, just 2 miles southwest of the UT-261/Muley Point Road junction.

Valley of the Gods

Valley of the Gods

If Monument Valley had a little brother (some might say a better looking, easier to get along with little brother) Valley of the Gods would be him. It’s primarily a drive-through backcountry area that you can access via a 17 mile dirt and gravel road. Make sure you have plenty of gasoline, water and snacks as there are no services. Take your time and take a break to explore the surrounding backcountry.

Directions from Bluff

Take US-191 South for 4.3 miles

Continue onto US-163 for 12.4 miles

Turn right onto Valley of the Gods road for 3.7 miles

Monument Valley

Monument Valley

This transplanted piece of Mars is home to giant red rock towers you’ve seen in a hundred movies waiting patiently while not nearly enough travelers gawk at their weird grandeur. Its minimalism is stunning, timeless and perfect. It’s Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah.” It’s Kazimir Malevich’s “White on White.” It’s a white t-shirt and jeans. Stop at the Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center for info, guides and permits, then hike, ride or drive between East and West Mittens, Elephant Butte, The Three Sisters and Rain God Mesa. If you want to do more than just gawk, take a tour with a Navajo guide and learn about the ancient and modern inhabitants.